#Section 199 CrPC

The Allahabad High Court quashed a private defamation suit under Section 500 IPC, holding that complaints against public servants acting in official capacity are barred by Section 199(2) CrPC and the fifth exception to Section 499 IPC. This shields officials from civil liability for statements made while performing their duties, limiting private plaintiffs’ recourse.

Allahabad HC quashes criminal proceedings under Sections 500, 504, 506, and 509 IPC, ruling that defamation via police charge-sheet is impermissible. The court emphasized that civil disputes must not be weaponized into criminal cases, reinforcing the need for strict adherence to Section 199 CrPC.

Allahabad HC reaffirms that cognizance of defamation (Section 500 IPC) can only be taken on a private complaint under Section 199 CrPC, not via police FIR. The court quashed proceedings initiated through a police case, emphasizing procedural compliance for defamation offenses, impacting prosecutors and complainants.